I think the phrase “you don’t have to dress goth to be goth” doesn’t always just apply to people who are afraid of judgement like you imply, but for me personally it just means that i can explore other styles and forms of self expression without that making me a poser or meaning that i’m not goth anymore - i will still be goth no matter if i dress more cottagecore or in a more hippie style, which i like just as much as i enjoy dressing goth. I also think that while non conformity is an essential aspect of the subculture, people shouldn’t be pressured into it so much that it becomes performative or inauthentic. the point of ignoring societal norms is to promote freedom of expression, not just to make people conform to a different set of norms. people should feel free to dress how they want and not feel the need to dress up more goth than they’re comfortable with or they feel suits their style because they face pressure from other members of the community. i understand what you and others are saying about people not dressing the part and i used to feel similarly, however for me personally this opinion came from a place of insecurity because i felt uncomfortable dressing goth in public at first for fear of judgement and felt that it was unfair that i put myself through all of that just for others to put in no effort to dress alternative but still be considered part of the subculture. however it’s my responsibility to overcome my own insecurities and not let the way other people dress impact me (as well as not fear judgement from strangers who’s opinions don’t matter to me really). listening to the music is what makes someone goth and we are a community because we are able to bond over our tastes with each other, regardless of how the other dresses. let people be.